There are a number of reasons that make the Glock a popular gun choice. But which one should you choose? Safety and usability are the most important factors, but there are also a lot of other things to consider. Therefore, we decided to compare two of their most popular pistols in this Glock 17 vs. Glock 19 comparison.
So let’s go through it and find out which is the perfect Glock for you…
But before we do that, let’s look at the history…
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 belong to the same family of Austrian gun manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H.. Founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock, the original Glock pistol, the 17 was designed in the 80s.
In 1982, the Austrian Armed Forces identified a need for a new generation service pistol. The requirements were that it was Self-loading, was secure against accidental discharge, and that it should fire 9×19 mm Parabellum rounds.
This led to the birth of the Glock 17, which beat out a number of illustrious competitors to gain the Austrian Army contract. Fast forward three decades, and you can find either the Glock 17 or Glock 19 on almost every police officer around the block.
What’s the Difference between the Glock 17 and Glock 19?
Although both Glocks have basically the same width, there are some important differences to note.
The Glock 17 was originally designed for the military, which makes the design more sturdy, lightweight, and easy to operate. While the Glock 19 came about to meet the demands of personal use. This meant that it needed to be compact and have a more personal feel hence the finger grooves for grip.
Round capacity…
The Glock 17 is roughly 0.4 inches taller than the Glock 19. Although this might not seem like much, this creates room for two more bullets, which could make a lot of difference. The Glock 17 holds 17 rounds; however, the Glock 19 does not hold 19 as you might assume, it only holds 15 rounds.
There are also differences in the slide and barrel length. The Glock 19 has a slide length of 6.85 inches, while the 17 has a length of 7.32 inches. And they have a barrel length of 4.02 and 4.49 inches, respectively. This means that their recoil springs are not interchangeable, but the fire control parts can work on either.
What about the Weight?
Comparing the unloaded weight, the Glock 17 weighs 32.3 ounces, almost 10 ounces more than the Glock 19, which weighs 23.2 ounces.
Having looked at the specifications of the two Glocks, let’s move on to see how accurate they are…
And the Performance
An accuracy test was carried out on both with excellent results. The heavier weight of the 17 gave it the edge in terms of recoil. And it’s longer barrel length meant that there was enough space for cartridge powder in the bullet to burn while inside the barrel. This resulted in a slightly higher muzzle velocity than with the Glock 19.
The Glock 17 had an average velocity of 1190 feet per second compared to 1145 from the Glock 19.
Other Options
If you are still unsure, it might be worth comparing the pistols to some others. If that’s the case, it’s well worth checking out our in-depth comparisons of the Glock 17 vs Glock 26, Sig Sauer P320 vs Glock 19, and the Glock 42 vs MP Shield.
If you’re looking for some accessories, you may want to read our in-depth reviews of the best Glock Night Sights, the best IWB Holster for Glock 19, the best Glock Ghost Ring Sights, or the best IWB Holster for Glock 23 currently available.
Glock 17 vs. Glock 19 – Which is better for you?
Why you should choose the Glock 17:
- Features two more rounds.
- Trusted by law enforcers.
- Less recoil.
- Higher velocity.
Why you should choose the Glock 19:
- Designed for personal use.
- Lightweight.
- Smaller and perfect for concealed carry.
- Has a track record of proven reliability
Glock 17 vs. Glock 19 – Conclusion
There are a number of factors to take into account when choosing the best weapon. We can all agree that the Glock family of weapons is one of the best currently on the market. And, for those who use their weapon infrequently, such as for home defense purposes, the Glock 19 makes a superb choice.
The Glock 19, on the other hand, is perfect for more regular users. The main advantages are the increased cartridge size, less recoil, and higher velocity.
If you are still finding it difficult to make a decision, we would recommend the…
Glock 19
…for its classic quality design, durability, and track record.
All the best in your purchase, and stay safe!